puppy
noun
- juvenile dog
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpʌpi/ / [ˈpʰɐpi]
noun
Etymology: From earlier puppie (“a woman's pet dog”), of uncertain origin, but probably from Middle English *puppee, *poupee, from Old French poupée, popée (“a doll; puppet”). More at puppet. Mostly displaced native Middle English whelp (“puppy”), from Old English hwelp, whence Modern English whelp and whelpie.
- A young dog, especially before sexual maturity (12–18 months).
- A young rat.
- A young seal.
- A dog with a youthful appearance, or any dog.
- A woman’s breast.
“Unclasp your bra and set those puppies free.”
- A (generic) thing; particularly something that is a nuisance; a sucker.
“I have another two dozen of these puppies to finish before I can go home.”
- A conceited and impertinent person, especially a young man.
“I found my place taken by an ill-bred, awkward puppy with a money bag under each arm.”
“I ne'r vvith VVits and VVitlings paſt my days, / To ſpread about the Itch of Verſe and Praiſe, / Nor like a Puppy daggled thro' the Tovvn, / To fetch and carry Sing-ſong up and dovvn; […]”
verb
Etymology: From earlier puppie (“a woman's pet dog”), of uncertain origin, but probably from Middle English *puppee, *poupee, from Old French poupée, popée (“a doll; puppet”). More at puppet. Mostly displaced native Middle English whelp (“puppy”), from Old English hwelp, whence Modern English whelp and whelpie.
- To bring forth whelps or give birth to pups.